New Manchester Baccalaureate will ‘re-set the scales’ of education and turbocharge our economy

In a move set to shake up education and economic growth in Greater Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled the innovative Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc).

This new technical education pathway aims to bridge the gap between school and high-quality careers.

Andy Burnham’s office says the move with ‘turbocharge’ the region’s productivity and provide young people with unparalleled opportunities.

A new vision for education

Announced at a bustling event at Manchester Hall yesterday,  Burnham’s MBacc could well be a game-changer for the city’s youth.

It offers a clear alternative to traditional university routes, aligning education with the needs of the local economy.

The MBacc’s core subjects and specialised pathways are meticulously designed to match Greater Manchester’s burgeoning growth sectors, including Health and Social Care, Digital and Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction and the Green Economy, Financial and Professional Services, Education and Early Years, and Creative, Culture, and Sport.

“Too many young people leave school without a clear career path,” Andy Burnham stated at the launch.

“The MBacc resets the scales, giving them a direct route to good jobs and fulfilling careers, meeting the changing needs of our economy.

“For too long the English education system has been built around the needs of just a third of young people who go to university. That means that every year, thousands go through school without a clear path to a good career.

“Our answer is the MBacc – a game-changing new plan for technical education. We’re using our devolved powers to reset the scales and give young people a clear line of sight to good jobs and the steps that will take them there.

“If we don’t make this change now, it could be the single biggest barrier to future growth – and to the life chances of young people here.

“The needs of our economy are changing, and right now the system is not capable of keeping pace and meeting the needs of businesses or the ambitions of the next generation.”

Real-world experience

The MBacc, developed in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, features a unique tech certificate in Applied Computing, ensuring students gain essential digital skills.

With support from over 200 education and business leaders, the MBacc will launch for Year 9 and Year 11 pupils this September.

Central to the MBacc is the integration of practical workplace experience.

Students will complete 50 hours of work placements between Years 9 and 11, facilitated by a new central application system in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company.

Additionally, an extra 1,000 T Level placements have been pledged, offering unmatched industrial exposure.

Empowering Greater Manchester’s youth

Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board, emphasised the MBacc’s role in fostering a skilled workforce: “The MBacc is crucial for our future growth.

“By working with the business community, we can provide technical skills and work experience tailored to market needs, ensuring young people have clear paths to rewarding careers.”

James Eldon, Principal at Manchester Academy, echoed this sentiment: “The MBacc recognises diverse talents and connects learning directly to real career opportunities, boosting student engagement and motivation.”

Building a future-ready workforce

The MBacc pathways, designed using the latest labour market data, promise to equip students with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

With Greater Manchester’s growth outpacing national averages but still lagging behind London, Andy Burnham’s team say this initiative is ‘vital’.

They added that “It addresses the productivity gap and helps both young people and the national economy achieve their full potential.”

You can find out more about the MBacc by clicking here

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